Time for an Updated Numerology Reading

Forty years ago, I was a psychic junkie. I had discovered reincarnation and the mesmerizing power of psychics. But, out of the blue, I was turned on to numerology. I was young and starting my career and marriage. I really loved finding my next psychic. One day, someone said numerologist to me. I was a blank. I had no idea what that meant. But I intended to find out.

I was working in Dallas. I was told this numerologist was in Fort Worth and her name was Marie Norris. Sounded innocent enough. How do I book a numerology session with her? It was a bit complicated. It seems Miss Norris wasn't a big fan of the modern use of the telephone. She didn't even have a secretary or answering machine. In any case, I found out where she lived and off I went.

Dallas isn't as close to Fort Worth as many people tell you. And in the early 1970s, it seemed even further. But gas was 29 cents a gallon so who cared. We didn't have the internet then so I had no quick way to investigate what numerology was. I was a tiny bit familiar with astrology, but now I know just how tiny.

Her house wasn't too difficult to find even for a Dallas girl. I walked up to the door and knocked expecting a nice older woman to appear to graciously ask me in to a lovely house. She was indeed older and a tremendous lover of cats by the number I first saw. And maybe even a lover of mice since they dominated as well.

The first thing I noticed when entering was being overwhelmed by the ghastly smell. A nice southern girl, I would never say anything about it. But I began to realize I couldn't breathe very well in its presence. She simply asked me to sit down somewhere between the stacks of newspapers and slimy canned cat food. I didn't know how long this would take, but I wasn't sure I could stay very long with the stench.

She asked me my name and my birthday. I gave it and off she went. She began hundreds of calculations starting at the top of the page to the bottom and then back again to the top with the second row. I'm not sure, but she put at least 6-7 rows of calculations and then started on the back of the page. This went on for many pages.

She was intensely wrapped up in her calculations. And then she would just completely stop and slump down in what I can only describe as a "nap." Just as I started to get concerned, she would then suddenly sit up and continue. This seemed like an eternity. So, I discreetly excused myself and went outside to eagerly grab some fresh air.

I had no idea that she was creating a numerology reading on me or even what that meant. I was simply expecting a deck of cards. But she was determined to give me her expertise. And indeed she did. When she finished and asked me to come back in, she began telling me things I hadn't even asked about. With complete authority, she told me that I would be getting a green car. I said, no, no. My car is red and somewhat new. She said, "The next time you come, you will have a green car."

Somehow, she alerted the curiosity in me. After she finished telling me where I would live, who I would be with and what best things were for me, I began questioning her. It's been a while, but I remember she said she studied numerology at Stanford University. I have not idea if that is true, but I then looked around all the stacks of newspapers and discovered a map out on a table.

I then learned that she was under contract with several different oil companies to tell them where to drill for oil. Suddenly she became a bit less strange to me. I became addicted to her. The next time I came, I realized I had a green car. Each time I came I discovered a bit more about her, but not about numerology. She wasn't interested in teaching about numerology, what a numerology chart is or how life path numerology can be of help. She went about her calculations and then made her numerological predictions.

She told me that she had always lived in Fort Worth. Her father had been an officer in the Army stationed at Ft. Worth. Sometimes she would arrive at her home at the same time I did in a beautiful Cadillac. She explained that the driver had "rented" her for a party. She set up an office for the party-goers to drop in and get their numerological readings.

I began to realize that Marie Norris was an icon in the Fort Worth community. She advised everyone, from the very very rich to the not so rich. She had simply won them over doing what she did better than anyone else without tooting her own horn.

About ten years later after a much too long abstinence, I was editing a film with my friend George Kline. His production company had made the film in Dallas. While we were chatting, he reminded me that he was originally from Fort Worth. I became all bubbly and asked if he knew Marie Norris. Just as bubbly, his eyes lighted up and he said, "Of course!" I said, hey we need to go see her.

He agreed and called his assistant to arrange a booking. His assistant called back and alerted us that Miss Norris was no longer living. We were devastated. Who would we go to for numerological readings.

Marie Norris never taught me numerology, never created my numerology report or chart. But she gave me an appreciation of numerology that I still have 40 years later. I have the internet now to learn more about numerology, numerology readings and numerological predictions. So, that's what I'm going to do to honor the dear Miss Norris. It's time.

Thank you, Marie Norris.